UGC lists out 22 fake universities in country: HRD

New Delhi: About 22 fake universities are functioning in the country against whom the states have been asked to initiate action, the government told Rajya Sabha.

There are maximum of 9 fake universities in Uttar Pradesh and 5 in Delhi. HRD Minister Smriti Irani stated that the ministry is drafting a letter to Ministry of External Affairs asking to list out all fake universities/ institutions abroad in order to act on injustices meted out to our students.

"As per information available with the UGC, there are 22 universities (in the country) which have been listed in the UGC list of fake universities and are functioning in contravention or violation of the UGC Act, 1956 in different parts of the country," Irani said.

"Besides UP and Delhi, there are two in West Bengal and one each in Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha," minister added.

Replying to questions, whether centre is taking action against fake universities universities Smiti Irani said that the government had fulfilled the duties of informing the state government and it is up to the concerned government to act against them.

"Law and order is a state issue and only states can take action as per federal structure. No state government has so far said it is not taking action against such universities and have instead shown inclination of taking action," she said.

"KnowYourCollege'', portal provides details about college

Irani said the regulator on its part has started a portal "KnowYourCollege" and a mobileApp providing details about universities and colleges so that gullible students are not duped such fake institutions.

"We are also making attempts to have direct interaction with students besides this 'KnowYourCollege' portal to help students identify fake universities," she said.

Irani said there are universities abroad which try to mislead Indian students and "We are in the process of writing to MEA to ensure that all missions are appealed to give us a list of fake universities or institutions overseas so that we can appropriately inform our states to help students not get duped by such institutions."

Speaking about foreign tie-ups and off-campus centres, she said, "Many universities have tried to set up off-campus centres which are unauthorised and UGC has taken cognisance of this fact and ordered shutdown of illegal off-campus centres."